LATEST THOUGHTS

Books for reading

Books are very individual things, often seeming to come at the right moment with the right lesson or message. If you have ever stood in a book shop wondering which one to choose and as you flick through different possibilities one has stood outas the one you must have, will understand what I mean. If a friend has told you must read this book, and as you read you just know it has not got the same meaning for you as them, you will know what I mean. Hence, when looking at this list please understand that they are books I have found useful at different times. Some have been read and read again others read once have provided one more step on my journey.

For me books are like honest friends, they say what they mean and don’t lie just to make you feel better and are there for you when you need them. They encourage and inspire but they do challenge and often start you on a journey that at later you question whether you really want to continue. However, I always question what I read and would encourage you to do the same.

Unless you and those are around you are really ready for change and for the difficulties learning brings, don’t read on.

Perhaps, it is best to look at what I have to say about the books and then do a little research on different books until you find the “right” book for where you are on your journey. I list them in no particular order or preference just as they come to me.

One final tip, do the exercises in a book, if you skim through the practical bits, if you pass over the lists to be made or goal to be recorded then you will not get the value from the book you deserve and the chance of changing is greatly diminished.

Good luck and enjoy the journey

Jonathan Livingston Seagull.Richard Bach

ISBN 0-00-649034-4

This is the eternal favourite for those moments when you want to give up or question whether you have the strength to continue your journey. If you get it you really get it, not only about the courage to continue and the bravery of learning but also of the value of self belief and believing in your own potential.

The 7 habits of Highly Effective People. Franklin Covey

ISBN 0-684-85839-8

A classic text about the power of mastering ourselves before we master our relationships with others. Lots or examples and practical ideas. Brilliant and life changing if you are ready to work with in not just read it.

Habit Busting. A 10 step plan that will change your life. Pete Cohen

ISBN 0-7225-4009-4

Despite the marketing title this is not quick fix, but if you believe in the power of the mind this is a good book to practise your skills and to learn methods of changing habits and behaviours. To get the best from this book you really have to do the exercises in the book. No matter what you want to change this book can help.

The Road Less Travelled. M Scott Peck

ISBN 0-09-972740-4

From the back cover “Confronting and solving problems is a painful process which most of use attempt to avoid. And the very avoidance results in greater pain and an inability to grow both mentally and spiritually.

Warning, Don’t start this book unless you are really ready to challenge and change you thinking. Deep and requires thinking about on every page but brilliant.

Don’t Shoot the Dog! The New Art of Teaching and Training. Karen Pryor

ISBN 0-553-38039-7

The book that no one should be without. It is the book that I recommend to all new comers to behaviour training. The science of behaviour written for the everyone. Covering the principals and application of the science of behaviour written in a light and easy to read way. If you haven’t got it you should get it.

A great text on learning and application of behaviour in dogs. Helps form a good foundation of learning and understanding behaviour and is a good book to return to time and time again to clarify specific points.

Don’t sweat the small stuff…and it is all small stuff. Richard Carlson.

ISBN 0-7868-8185-2-50995

Great little book with a 100 thoughts for helping to keep life in perspective. Containing insights such as; Argue for your limitations and they’re yours, Resist the urge to criticise, Relax, Choose being kind over being right and search for the grain of truth in other opinions. A daily inspiration

This is the science of learning, a big thick volume full of positive, negative, punishment.Operant and Classical conditioning, counter conditioning and systematic desensitization they are all in here . Written mainly with human behaviour in mind but with lots of reference to animal learning and principles. Not a light read but and invaluable source of information and facts on the science of behaviour and learning.

Horse behaviour Explained . Margit H. Zeitler-Feicht

ISBN 1-84076-037-0

Like most horse books it is difficult to agree with everything that is written but this has a great structure and balance in its approach to the science of horsemanship. Deals with creating the of the environment of the horse, to weaning and through to training and behaviour problems. Well worth adding to the library as there is a lot of good stuff in here.

Building confidence for Dummies. Kate Burton and Brinley Platts.

ISBN 0-470-01669-8

These dummies books are well written and user friendly. This one on confidence is a must if lost confidence is your problem, weather with your horse, people, a certain situation or life in general this book could really help. You have to do the exercises in the book, of course, to get the most from it but it really has the potential to change lives.

The Alchemist. Paulo Coelho

ISBN 0-7225-3293-8

This is really one of my favourite books. It has sold 43 million copies world wide. It is a simple tale of a Spanish Shepard who has a dream and sets out on a journey to discover his destiny. Coelho writes brilliantly with so many lessons to absorb in a gripping tale. It is a transforming novel about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path and above all following our dreams.

Don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, the four agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness and love.This book has be a powerful tool in my self knowledge and self approval.

Manual of the warrior of Light, Paulo Coelho ISBN 0-00-714571-3

This book is an invitation to each of us to live our dream, to embrace the uncertainty of this life, and to rise to meet our own unique destiny.With short inspiring passages, we are invited to embark upon the way of the warrior: the one who appreciates the miracle of being alive, the one who accepts failure and the one whose quest leads him to become the person he wants to be. As always with Coelho this is brilliant.

Why Men Don’t Listen & Women Can’t Read Maps

Allan & Barbara Pease ISBN 0-75284-619-1

How we are different and what to do about it. This book is a humorous, but oh so true, look at human differences. It does not look to blame either sex but rather encourages us to accept the differences between men and women. If we can’t understand our own species then what chance do we have to understand equines?

Each month I will add some more books to this list, so please call back again to see if there are other books that you might want to read.